Although we ultimately chose a different school for our child, I want to share how impressed I was with Hillbrook's admissions process. From start to finish, the experience stood out in all the best ways. During our initial visit, I noticed something remarkable--several students came up and hugged the admissions officer. It was clear that the kids not only felt comfortable but also genuinely connected to the adults on campus. That kind of warmth and trust speaks volumes about the school culture. Throughout the process, the staff had multiple thoughtful conversations with me and invited our son to visit the campus more than once. It wasn't just about evaluating our fit for them--it really felt like they wanted to ensure the school would be the right fit for our son too. Everyone we interacted with was incredibly kind, transparent, and generous with their time and insights. What really set Hillbrook apart was how open and communicative the administration was. In a time when many schools can feel closed off or overly cautious, Hillbrook was refreshingly honest and forthcoming. That kind of openness is rare and deeply appreciated. Even though we didn't enroll, I left the process with a very positive impression of the school and the people behind it. read more

The best school but it does cost a lot. Though if you do have the money it is really nice.

We are so excited about our choice to join Hillbrook. The social emotional growth opportunities here are more than any other school we have experienced. The care and professionalism of the teachers and support staff is fantastic. We feel like a family every time we step into the campus. read more

We have a 7th grader and 4th grader at Hillbrook. We are very happy with the school and the experiences that our children are having there. We love the community focus and values: Be kind. Be curious. Take risks. Do your best. Can't beat that! read more

We live in Los Gatos and we never thought that we would consider a private school for our son until Hillbrook. At first, my son joined the junior kindergarten because the public school TK program was too short. We thought it would just be a year then we would go back. Then Covid happened and the difference on how Hillbrook handled the Covid situation with that of the public schools is day and night. We feel very safe sending our son here. After 2 years at Hillbrook, my son blossomed. So by the time he entered the elementary school, it was no brainer to continue his schooling here. The school also took a proactive prevention in bullying. The teachers did such a great job, above and beyond, to protect their kids while teaching them to be able to advocate for themselves. We are entering our 4th year at Hillbrook and my son blossoms. He's a natural leader, well spoken, and he adjusts well among his peers (classroom, playground, youth sports). What I have noticed, Hillbrook school really encourages students to be independent thinker. My son is confident and has high EQ, thanks to Hillbrook method. read more

This is our family's sixth year at Hillbrook, and we still love it. Of all the schools we looked at, they did the best at living out their core values, which are: Be kind, be curious, take risks, be your best. Classes are small so everyone - not just teachers, but admin too - really knows each student, and they are educating citizens who are ready for whatever the world brings. High academic standards are balanced with social-emotional skills that are taught in a very authentic way. For example, kids are encouraged to "take a risk" by standing up and telling a joke at a weekly school-wide assembly. It's been great to see the opportunities for growth that Hillbrook offers to students. read more

This is our 11th year at Hillbrook. We originally were only looking for a Junior Kindergarten because at the time our local public schools did not have that option. Our daughter was a shy young lady when she entered Hillbrook in JK and we watched her thrive during her 10-year journey at the school. Our son followed a few years behind and they could not be different children. Hillbrook has helped us navigate all the ups and downs of raising children in the Bay Area. The core principles at Hillbrook our; Be Kind, Be Curious, Be Your Best and Take Risks, while catchy phrases the school truly lives up to these values. Not everyday morning and afternoon is perfect and our family has dealt with the many struggles our children face in our new world of social technology, but in the end we found Hillbrook to be the right balance of academics and social emotional learning. My children met close friends and my wife and I have made lasting connections with faculty, staff and members of the Hillbrook community. read more

This school is phenomenal! We moved our son out of public school in the 5th grade and his experiences and growth were truly amazing after spending a year at Hillbrook. This school is a true gem. The teachers are intelligent, wordly, compassionate and LOVE what they do. The campus looks like a summer camp and has a very positive and peaceful vibe. We are so happy we found Hillbrook and look forward to the new Hillbrook High School coming in the Fall. read more

My children are alumni of Hillbrook. They received a fabulous education and were well-prepared for private high school. Hillbrook is the perfect balance of academics and social-emotional learning. The bonus to the fantastic curriculum is the beautiful campus and tight-knit community. read more

I can't say enough great things about Hillbrook. I have been at Hillbrook for 12 years. My oldest daughter graduated 3 years ago and I have twins graduating this years. All three kids started in Kindergarten. My children are confident, kind and are well rounded because of Hillbrook. They are smart and are always doing their best. Hillbrook's core values are instilled in my children and I am forever grateful. read more

I have 4 children at Hillbrook (1 graduated last year and is thriving at his high school) and I can honestly say this is one of the best independent JK-8 schools in the area. The teachers and leadership team are top-notch. They genuinely care for each student's academic, social and emotional health. Now that my oldest is in high school, I can really appreciate how Hillbrook prepared him academically. All of the group work, critical thinking skills, and self reflection has helped him into becoming a top student at his school. Specifically, his Reach Beyond classes in Middle School allowed him to think "outside of the box" and apply solutions to real world problems. The Middle School academic program helped him build confidence and taught him skills (on top of the traditional school subjects - Reading, 'Riting and 'Rithmetic) that will be so useful in the ever-increasing complexity of the the future. Amazing! The teachers and administrators genuinely care about all aspects of the school and I don't think I know of any other schools in the area that are so self-reflective, curious and engaging. The teachers are continually learning and growing, and the school has a strong commitment to professional development. Overall, this is a great school for you if you want something more than just academics (though they deliver on that in spades!). This is a school for you if you want your child to be confident, curious and resilient. read more

Hillbrook is a very good school. They started at around 1935 I think, but the fees are a little bit too expensive.

As a parent at Hillbrook I have found the school's response to the COVID19 pandemic incredible. The teachers and faculty have designed a flexible structure and schedule that allows for continuity amidst a fluid public health situation and ensures the school is able to continue delivering their engaging program throughout the school year. The school created additional outdoor learning spaces to protect the health and safety of the community along with new systems to support home/school communication and resources. We are thankful every single day for the amazing community and education our child is receiving at Hillbrook. read more

I am beyond happy with this school! We attend this school, receive flexible tuition (if you think it's too costly, there is a calculator on their website to see what your tuition might be given your income - check it out!), and have only positive things to say. Honestly, I think this school is innovative and ahead of its time. It combines a very personable/friendly/warm approach with academic rigor that goes way beyond teaching to the test and encourages kids to apply the nexus of their interests and their skills with helping solve real world problems. The exposure they have to global issues and the resources they have access to to learn what to do about it is astounding. To get really specific (and a bit rambly...) - My son is known by all teachers and staff. Even staff in development/business/maintenance say hi to him by name. He is mostly a well behaved, rule-following, people-pleasing kid. So instead of just taking for granted an "easy" kid, they work with him on assertiveness skills and standing up for himself. His confidence has sky rocketed since starting Hillbrook. He also went from someone uninterested in and avoidant of anything fine-motor related to feeling eager and confident to write, do art, etc. Their academic teaching is great - that should be a given - but what makes the school really special, besides the friendly staff and the beautiful campus, is the fact that they teach these kids to think beyond themselves and to strive to have a positive impact on the world. They have a class called "Reach Beyond" which is dedicated to doing just this. Further, my son has learned so much about other cultures by attending this school - both from who he interacts with and what they teach in the class. I just feel so lucky to be at this school and, honestly, I think this school is setting the bar to what other schools should strive for. read more

I went to look at the school for my 7 years old. I liked everything- the school, the staff, and its program. But I also felt a lack of diversity in staff and the students. I didn't feel belongingness and connection so didn't enroll my daughter :( I wish they hire a little more diverse group of staff and promote diversity. read more

I do not think that this was the right school for me...especially for all 8 years, but I got a wonderful education. I cannot deny that the quality of education here is top notch...I just might think twice about having my son attend for so many years unless he is really happy there read more

The campus is beautiful, the teachers are great. The administration is useless. When faced with relatively simple issues from long lunch lines, to traffic jams at drop off and pickup, to loud kids in class and bullying, this administration lacks foresight, pro-activeness and the ability to implement corrective actions in a timely manner. Had this been a non-tuition based school these issues might not be so glaring. But when one pays near college level tuition for pre-k, then one expects a better experience. Save your money, there's a reason why people pay a premium to live in Los Gatos, the public schools are actually quite good! read more

Once we set foot on the Hillbrook campus, we knew it was the right place for our children, it felt like "home." Aside from the amazing campus, the school has so much to offer in developing the whole child. We were first attracted to Hillbrook because of it's warm and inclusive community and the literal feeling of joy around the campus. We were told that students run from class to class with smiles on their faces. This seemed a bit hard to believe, but once we walked the campus, we saw it to be true. Students move from their homeroom class to each of their specialist classes (P.E., Music, Library, Foreign Language) and many are literally running and most all seem to be genuinely joyful. It's pretty amazing. The hands-on learning can be seen across the campus by Kindergarteners studying science in the garden to Third Graders walking the campus with iPads working on a project. The campus is in constant motion. Hillbrook teachers are passionate about their work and it shows. The school offers so many continuing development opportunities for teachers, which allows them to grow as professionals and remain engaged in their work. The class sizes are small and each class has a Resident Teacher and a lead teacher. This makes for a great collaborative teaching model and only enhances the student experience. In addition to the academic focus, there is a strong emphasis on the social/emotional component of education. The teachers have the time and ability to work with students on developing not only their academic skills but also the life skills that are so important in becoming a well rounded successful person. There are many opportunities to be involved in the school as well as fabulous parent education programs. Our children are thriving at Hillbrook and we tell as many people that we can to come to see the school for themselves! read more

One of my daughters was extremely shy and sensitive coming into Hillbrook at the age of 4. She wouldn't want to speak in class or participate in many activities. Yesterday at the age of 12, she met with the headmaster to propose enhancements to their extensive STEAM program. If you want your child to learn real life skills - how to have the confidence speaking in public, how to collaborate & negotiate, how to come up with new ideas & ways of doing things that benefit not just themselves but others, you couldn't pick a better school. read more

At Hillbrook, the opportunities for learning regularly go beyond the four walls of the classroom. When our oldest middle schooler came back from his Reach Beyond Week experience, where he learned about ethical fashion and visited Santee Alley, Patagonia headquarters, and a sustainable organic farm, he was inspired to start his own business - a clothing subscription box company. He is enrolled in a social entrepreneurship elective right now where they study B corporations and learn about topics I could have only dreamed about in middle school. Our younger son recently decided he wanted to start up a middle school newspaper. He emailed a proposal to the administration and within 24 hours they were honoring his idea with a formal meeting (with the Head of School! and others). Next he was on the microphone at Flag (weekly all-school gathering) in front of 400+ people eliciting support from middle school students to join him on Mondays to plan and create the paper. At his first meeting there were over 20 students! This school and community are committed to empowering students to reach beyond themselves to make a difference in the world. They truly live their mission. read more

The school provides a wonderful, well rounded education. The school tolerates bullying, and turns a blind eye to verbal and physical abuse.

My son was accepted at Hillbrook, however we chose another school for several reasons. One was the surroundings. It seems there is constant bickering within the neighborhood and a real problem to reach the school through the local streets. Another was the staff. For the amount of tuition per year, I expected way more than an administrative staff with nasty attitudes, especially at the main office. read more

My nephew is in 1st grade at Hillbrook, and it has been the absolute best experience for him--educationally, personally, and socially. I work in education myself, so I have seen all different types of learning environments at a variety of schools. Hillbrook does an amazing job of balancing academics with real-world critical thinking skills, allowing their students to be successful in high school and beyond. I am a counselor at a local private high school, and I have the opportunity to work with Hillbrook students when they arrive here. They are some of the most academically prepared, but more importantly (in my opinion) they have the skills that we hope all of our students learn to possess. They are respectful, independent, self-starters, who are looking at the world beyond just the class they are sitting in. When past Hillbrook students are applying to college, they are presented with some of the best colleges in the country to attend. I love the opportunity to work with Hillbrook students in my job and feel grateful that my nephew will receive the same experiences. read more

We could not be happier with our choice of Hillbrook for our two young children. From our first open house where we learned about Hillbrook's four core values (Be Kind, Be Curious, Take Risks, and Be Your Best), we were thrilled by the whole-child approach of the school and its committed faculty and staff. Core values like the ones above are easy to throw around for marketing purposes, but the true beauty of this school lies in its incorporation of its values into the everyday learning experiences of the children. (Watching faculty teach children to "Be Kind" in a fractious JK classroom can be an eye-opener even for adults!) From the outset, we have also felt that each member of our family is known and valued in the Hillbrook community. Although our son didn't enter the school until this year, he has been greeted by name by faculty and staff at drop off and pick up since our daughter started at the school three years ago. The learning style of each child is also quickly observed and supported, so that children who are very different, like mine, can both thrive in this environment. The whole child is truly celebrated at this school. Lastly, the strength of the Hillbrook community for children and adults alike is one-of-a-kind. We feel incredibly lucky to be a part of a school where so many diverse families share the same educational philosophy and are committed to teaching their children how to make our world a better place. read more

We have two children at Hillbrook and absolutely love the experience and our kids are very happy there. The atmosphere at the school is incredible: not only because of the campus which is magnificent but also the strong community between students, parents and teachers. The learning environment is top notch and the engagement from the teachers is outstanding. We love the small classroom sizes which really helps our children. read more

Both of our sons have had an incredibly rich educational experience at Hillbrook. I love how the school lives the core values: Be Kind, Be Curious, Take Risks, Be Your Best. As both children take different paths through their education, the culture of the school is helping them build these key characteristics. I see this not only in our evening conversations when they share their daily experiences, but also in conferences as our boys describe their learning in a facilitated conversation. Last year, the school started "Reach Beyond Week" which provided a really intense experience for our older son as he traveled from LA to San Francisco learning about the fashion industry and seeing various perspectives around how clothes are made and sold. My younger son engages with the Maker culture at Hillbrook and many of his teachers encourage his curiosity and support his development of design principles like prototyping and testing. In addition to the academic and personal development, both of our boys have loved the after school sports programs and other enrichment activities that are available. Finally, I think one of the most special parts of the Hillbrook community is the high standard of learning that it sets for all members. The faculty and staff are continuously improving their practice and working to make important changes at the school level. Just in the last year, the bell schedule change and addition of "Reach Beyond" have been incredible improvments in our boys' experience. Thank you Hillbrook! Go Bears! read more

I can't say enough good things about Hillbrook. This is our eighth year at the school and we have two children, one in the lower school and one in the middle school. Both are very different children - different learners and with different interests and motivations - and yet Hillbrook knows them, encourages them, and is getting the very best out of them. My kids are known and valued by every teacher and student, stretched academically and taught to take risks - they are getting a very solid foundation to their education. The teaching staff at Hillbrook is second to none, and I'm very impressed by how well rounded the education is: not just the core academics but music, arts and languages. I know they will be very well prepared for what follows Hillbrook, as they transition into high school. We as a family feel a very strong connection to this community and would highly recommend Hillbrook. read more